The Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Kayode Fayemi; as well as Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki met physically with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja earlier today. The meeting which was held in an atmosphere of camaraderie preceded the general meeting of the 36 states governors with the President.
The upcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States were top on the agenda as President Muhammadu Buhari met with Governors Fayemi and Obaseki.
President Buhari was said to have applauded the efforts of Mr. Obaseki saying the governors of Edo and Ondo deserve second terms based on their performance. He promised to ensure that the governors come out successful in their quest for the party’s ticket in order not to jeopardise the chances of the APC in these elections.
The agenda of the meeting was not officially communicated. Inside sources however said the political logjam in the All Progressives Congress (APC) over Edo and Ondo governorship elections received Buhari’s attention.
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has endured a running battle with the National Chairman of the APC, Adams Oshiomhole. Pundits believe Oshiomhole is using covert and overt means to ensure that Mr. Obaseki is denied the party’s ticket.
The party hierarchy is also believed not to be favourably disposed to handing a second term ticket to the Governor of Ondo state, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The general meeting with all the governors was subsequently held via video-conferencing with the governors connecting from their base. President Buhari participated in the meeting from the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed; Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele; and the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, were also seen attending the meeting with Buhari in a photograph released by the State House.
Issues relating to the economy, the impact and management of the fallout from COVID-19, and security challenges facing the country were discussed at the meeting.
